Saturday, January 19, 2013

If you suffer from arthritis in your hands, fingers, or wrist then you know just how awful that pain can be. Arthritis gloves can help with that pain. You do not have to stop doing all the things that you love just because you have arthritis. Arthritis gloves will allow you to be able to do the things you love with out all the pain. These gloves work by providing your hands with compression and warmth.

The warmth comes from your skin and is directed back into the hands by the gloves. The heat will help by increasing the blood flow in the hand and fingers. The painful inflammation can be reduce by the compression the arthritis gloves provide. Inflammation is one of the main reasons that arthritis hurts so much. By getting rid of the inflammation you are getting rid of some of the pain.

When you are buying arthritis gloves be sure that you are getting a pair that fits you snugly. You will need gloves that are made to fit your size hands perfectly. You will also want to make sure they are comfortable to wear because you may end up wearing them a good bit of the time.

You also have to decide whether you want fingerless gloves or full gloves. Both types of gloves have their advantage and disadvantage. If you plan to wear your glove through the better part of the day then you may find that fingerless gloves is a little bit more practical. You will still get the benefits of the gloves while being able to use your fingers to pick things up.

The full gloves are better for night time wear. If you will be sleeping in the gloves then the full glove is the best bet. Before choosing a pair you may want to spend some time at the medical supply store trying on the many different styles and sizes until you find the right pair for you.

You will also want to make sure the gloves you buy are made from a breathable fabric. With the heat that is being put out by your skin it can get a little warm inside the gloves. This is a good thing because it helps with the pain. It is also a bad thing if you do not have a breathable fabric. Your gloves will stay sweaty and that is never comfortable.

Most insurance companies will pay for arthritis gloves. If you have an insurance that will not pay for your gloves you could try finding a medical supply store that allows you to charge items. It is important that you buy your gloves from a place that you will be able to try them on first.

You may be tempted to buy them online to save money but you will not know if they fit correctly until they arrive. You could end up spending more money because if they don't fit you will still have to buy a pair that does. If you find a pair you like but are not completely sure about you may want to keep looking. These gloves will need to be worn often so you should find a pair you know you are comfortable wearing.

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of your joints, causing stiffness, swelling, pain and sometimes a reduction in mobility. There are two types, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here are 15 easy, common sense lifestyle tips to help you with Arthritic symptoms and reduce general inflammation, making life more comfortable.

1. Cut Out Alcohol

This will keep your yeast overgrowth at bay and reduce the bodies acidity levels.

2. Cut out refined carbs

Switch anything 'white' to 'brown'. Introduce power grains like Quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth and brown, short grain rice as these soak up toxins in the body.

3. Cut our refined sugars

A LOW G.I. diet needs to be adopted. Refined sugars actually create an immune system response in the body and high blood glucose levels cause inflammation.

Alkaline = Millet, brown rice, all the power grains, cruciferous veg, lemons, cider vinegar (that might seem odd but they are both acid until they are ingested, when they turn alkaline!), sea veg as well are very alkalising!

5. Support your immune system

Particularly for Rheumatoid Arthritis - great herbs for this are Oregano, Rosemary, Echinacea, Thyme, Turmeric, antioxidents through foods and also Selenium and Vitamins A, C and E

6. Cut out wheat and cows milk

Gluten (from wheat) is extremely resistant to intestinal digestion and can cause damage to the intestinal lining. This can cause leaky gut which can then release toxins into the bloodstream causing inflammation. Also, cow's milk, once pasteurized, changes from alkaline to acid.

7. Source seaweeds and algaes

These are highly alkalising, clean the blood, detoxify the whole system and work on oxygenating and repairing cells. They also support general immunity.

8. Work Out your Food Intolerance

If you are intolerant to foods this causes the body to live in a state of 'emergency', stress and inflammation can then occur.

9. Take Omega 3's

We have become Omega 6 dominant over time as this is found in nuts, eggs, organ meat, beef and dairy. This can cause an inflammatory reaction - Omega 3 is an excellent anti-inflammatory! Eat more fish and find a great fish oil supplement.

10. Don't fry food or heat fats!

This can cause a bad inflammatory response because they create advanced glycation end products (something the body treats as an invader).

11. Get enough sleep!

During sleep, the body regenerates which calms the immune system. Lack of restorative sleep is a major promoter of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers often associate pain with how much sleep they did or didn't get.

12. Lose weight now!

I'm sorry but it's just too important not to add into this list! Excessive weight encourages inflammation. Toxins also hide in excess fat meaning that the more over weight you are, the more you are likely to be acidic and toxic.

13. Drink water!

This lubricates the joints and flushes away toxins. Alkalising is also about staying hydrated.

14. Cut out the 'nightshade' family

potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine etc. This family are very acidic and also contain 'Solanine' which is a calcium inhibitor (especially significant in cases of osteoarthritis!).

15. Cut out oxalic acid rich foods

These can exacerbate symptoms - tea, coffee, wine, spinach, gooseberries, oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants. These can be re-introduced in small amounts once symptoms have reduced or disappeared.

Over the years, there has been an explosion of interest in learning more about alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, there are several different complementary and alternative medicine approaches. As such, we will provide you with information in regards to some natural substances that may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis. However, keep in mind that what may work for one person may not work for another. In addition, it's extremely important that you consult your physician before taking any herbal or dietary supplements.

Now, without further adieu, let's delve into alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in regards to natural substances.

Become acquainted with the fish in the sea. Fish oil has shown favorable effects to help partially relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil harbors omega-3 fatty acids that have inflammation-fighting actions. However, it's important to note that positive results can take three months to become evident. On the other hand, fish oil is often recommended by leading experts as one of the natural substances that may help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and, as such, we have listed it as a consideration for alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, fish oil harbors many other powerful health enhancing benefits.

Get aid from India. Turmeric, the yellow spice from India, harbors anti-inflammatory compounds that appears to ease inflammation and has no side effects. More specifically, test-tube and laboratory studies have confirmed turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. Turmeric's chief constituent is known as curcumin. However, it also contains volatile oils, which also harbors medicinal effects.

According to the well renowned tome "The New Healing Herbs" written by Michael Castleman, an award-winning health journalist who states:

"Several Indian studies have tested turmeric and curcumin as treatments for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with positive results. In one study, the herb relieved the morning stiffness and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis as well as a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID). But unlike NSAIDS, turmeric caused no significant abdominal distress." (Page 395-396.)

Actually, in India, curcumin is considered a standard anti-inflammatory medication. Indeed, turmeric as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis deserves a discussion with a physician.

Get more aid from India. Boswellia comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, Ayurvedic healers used the tree bark's gummy resin, called salai guggal as a natural anti-inflammatory. Modern science has verified what ancient Ayurvedic healers knew all along: clinical studies using boswellia have shown good results in rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis. More specifically, it is believed that boswellic acids, active compounds in boswellia, can block leukotriene synthesis. Leukotrienes are hormonelike compounds that can cause pain and inflammation, which could explain why it may be helpful in medical conditions involved in inflammation. Indeed, this herb is one of the most ancient and respected herbs in Ayurvedic healing and deserves a spot on your list of alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis considerations.

Put out the pain with this burning flame. Cayenne, commonly known as red pepper, cayenne chili pepper, and capsicum is a native to Central America. Cayenne owes its hot fiery taste and its hot healing powers to its active ingredient capsaicin. When applied to the skin as a cream, apparently it blocks the action of the neurotransmitter substance P, a nerve chemical responsible for carrying pain signals to the brain. As such, cayenne is often recommended for topical use to alleviate joint and muscle pain by many alternative medicine experts. For this reason, it is often used to help ease the pain associated with arthritis. Therefore, it too is considered an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Meet Ginger. Ginger has long been recommended for many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid because it can have a powerful anti-inflammatory impact on the body. According to the well known reference book called "Prescription for Herbal Healing", written by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC who states:

"A three-year study of fifty-six people with rheumatoid arthritis found that about 75 percent of the subjects achieved relief from pain and swelling by taking powdered ginger." (Page 71.)

Zap pain with bromelain. Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful protein-digesting enzymes derived from the pineapple plant. It harbors powerful anti-inflammatory effects and its been used successfully to treat a number of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Kick in vitamin E. Often found deficient in arthritis sufferers, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from free radical damage.

Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's opinion on alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in regards to supplements

We believe you may want to consider a comprehensive formula specifically designed to combat arthritis. In fact, a comprehensive formula using carefully selected ingredients can offer more therapeutic benefits, often better than taking a single nutrient or herb on its own.

Therefore, it's important to understand the how and why of what makes some these comprehensive arthritis products useful -- an important factor in making an informed choice. Moreover, mixing and matching nutrients and herbs on your own can be very dangerous to your health as well as expensive.

However, make sure that the product is professionally and scientifically formulated by a highly-credentialed scientific team that can ensure the proper blending of ingredients, to maximize the therapeutic benefits needed to combat rheumatoid arthritis.

When arthritis is mentioned one immediately imagines an illness affecting the elderly. However this disease is no respecter of age as anyone can develop it. It might surprise you that there are many forms of this illness. Painful or swollen joints often indicate an arthritic condition but there are many other causes too. If arthritis is suspected correct diagnosis from a medical professional it essential to determine a treatment.

Should the condition be diagnosed the two forms most of us are familiar with are Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Though they may share some common similarities of symptoms such as knuckle pain or swollen joints, they are quite different diseases.

Osteoarthritis is the type expected to affect mainly older people because it is a degenerative, 'wear and tear' kind of illness. With this form you may awake in a morning and any joint can be troubled feeling stiff for a while. The wearing away of cartilage and loss of lubricating fluid between joints is the main reason for osteoarthritis pain. Often in smaller joints such as in the fingers bony enlargements can occur and though not always painful in themselves they do frequently cause limitations of use.

Rheumatoid arthritis is altogether different in that it is an autoimmune disease. Its principle symptoms are inflammation of joints causing swelling and pain. Although the stiffness associated with the osteo form is absent significant and increasing deformity of the fingers ensues as the disease progresses. Again this is very distressing and means even simple tasks like buttoning clothes is very difficult to do.

With medical treatment, pain control and in some instances surgery, the illness can be made tolerable. At present there is no known cure for many arthritis conditions but some milder types can be remedied with treatments such as antibiotics or avoiding foods known to irritate the condition.

Another great advance in making many people's lives easier is through the use of gadgets and disability aids such as specially designed can and jar openers, cutlery and various holders. Making full use of this kind of equipment can vastly improve a sufferer's daily life.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by an inflammation in the joint area. Rheumatoid arthritis is said to be a disease of the immune system. What happens inside the body of a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is that his immune system mistakenly thinks that his own body tissues are harmful bacteria or viruses. And so the antibodies move to attack them. But these tissues are actually healthy tissues. In fact, they are the main ones that compose the joints. When this happens, the particular area where antibodies attacked becomes severely inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by a number of factors. While it is rather hard even for the doctors to tell their patient what actually makes them contract the disease, the most common of all factors are listed below:

Viruses, Fungi, and Bacteria

These elements have long been suspected to be the root causes of rheumatoid arthritis. But then again, it hasn't been proven that they alone are sufficient to cause the disease. What is certain is that viruses, fungi, and bacteria play a certain role in the development of the disease, as they trigger the body's immune system to act. Therefore, it can not be ruled out that these infectious agents may have something to do with rheumatoid arthritis.

Genetics

There are also studies showing that rheumatoid arthritis can be inherited. There have been worldwide researches performed to seek the main cause of this disease. And with that many researches conducted, all of experts behind them can't rule genetics as a factor. In a certain group of patients who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, it was found out that a number of them have family members who are suffering from the disease in one way or another. This had caused scientists to assume that certain types of rheumatoid arthritis can be transferred genetically.

Allergens

Because rheumatoid arthritis involves the immune system, it is reasonable to assume that certain allergens cause the antibodies to attack the joints. Allergens fall under the environmental factors that could trigger the disease. These could be the food you eat, exposure to certain types of bacteria in the air, and the deficiency of certain types of vitamins in the body. It is therefore important that a series of consultations with a health expert is carried out so that it becomes easy for them to determine what triggers a particular rheumatoid arthritis attack. Defining one's allergen is very helpful in preventing the disease.

Changes in One's Hormones

One other cause of rheumatoid arthritis would be the changes in one's hormones. For the females, it was found out that during pregnancy, their levels of progesterone and estrogen becomes relatively high. However, after giving birth, it drastically decreases. This is one of the reasons why rheumatoid arthritis often happens in a woman after child birth.

On the flip side, some mothers have experienced improved rheumatoid arthritis condition during the entire length of their pregnancy. But after the time the baby is born, they experience a certain degree of flare up.

Smoking

There have been relevant studies that show smoking tobacco can increase a person's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, now or at any time in the future. On the other hand, for those people who already have rheumatoid arthritis and still continue to smoke, their chances of having an attack are higher than those who don't. There are certain substances found inside a tobacco that triggers the attack.

These are the different and most common causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing the main root of the disease is going to be very helpful in preventing its occurrence altogether. And if the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis is defined, the very people who are suffering from it may act accordingly to make sure they keep away from the very things that cause the disease. Doing so will spare them of the intense pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint and muscle that can be affected by the disease.

Do you suffer from the aches and pains of arthritis? Arthritis is used to refer to numerous rheumatism ailments which symptoms include: pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, although other parts of the body can be affected as well. Internal organs, muscles, ligaments and tendons are other parts of the body within the illnesses reach.

Arthritis is not to be taken lightly. According to some statistics, arthritis is now second only to heart disease as a leading cause of work disability. According to Arthritis.com, the disease affected 46 million Americans in 2006.

There are two forms of arthritis that are dreaded for causing so much pain to their victims. These are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the more common type that is prevalent among older people. It affects the cartilage, that spongy tissue between two bones that is responsible for shock absorption. The bones rub against each other and this is what causes swelling and pain. Some shards of bones may break off in the long run, lodging themselves inside the joint space, and thereby causing more pain. The latter type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, affects other body parts, but will still cause inflammation in the joints and a general feeling of fatigue. The symptoms appear in a symmetric manner, which means that if one joint is affected, the other corresponding joint will be affected too.

What Causes Arthritis?

There are several factors that may contribute to arthritis development, and these may include:

1. Age - Cartilage wears out with age and it becomes harder for it to be replaced naturally. Thus as people become older they also become more susceptible to arthritis.

2. Weight - The more pressure applied to knee and hip joints by accounts of body mass, the faster the cartilage is likely to wear out.

3. Other ailments or infections - Individuals who have suffered a joint infection like gout may later develop arthritis in that joint.

4. Daily occupation - Some types of occupations seem to carry inherently higher risk of developing arthritis than others. And these are those that typically involve a lot of lifting of heavy materials especially in heavy construction industry.

5. Genetics - It is possible that there can be genetic variations that contribute to higher incidences of arthritis development though the exact contribution of the genes to the disease development is not exactly clear.

How Can I Prevent Arthritis?

Some of the causes outlined above may themselves help in identifying the correct measures that can be taken to prevent arthritis. Some of these measures may apply before as a preventative measure and after as an ameliorating measure. These measures include:

1. Reducing weight

2. Simple exercises regularly

3. Massage

Unleash the Power of Raw Foods to Help with Arthritis

These raw foods have been very powerful at reducing the effects of arthritis on your body:

* Oranges

* Lemons

* Strawberries

* Tomatoes

* Bell peppers

* Kiwifruit

* Sweet red peppers

* Papapaya

* Guava

* Dalanghita

* Anonas

* Kasuy

You also need calcium rich food, but don't reach out for that glass of milk yet. Instead reach out for spinach, collard greens, and broccoli they are great source of calcium. Vitamin B rich food is also recommended, and this would include delicacies such as cauliflower.

Vitamins and any antioxidants can really you with your Arthritis as they decrease the damage to the joints, thus reducing the pain. Organic vegetables grown in your own garden can also inspire you to consume more raw foods. Give it a try!

Friday, January 18, 2013

Arthritis is among the most common diseases that plague populations all across the world. Arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints accompanied by pain and inability to move the bones that are associated with the inflamed joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is where your immune system attacks your own cells, thinking them to be foreign bodies. Joint pains and a significant drop in the range of movement are a result of this type of disease.

Wrist arthritis inflammation is one of the most common members of the arthritis family. Nutritional imbalances have been narrowed down on as the one of the foremost causes of arthritis. Therefore, natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation include restoring a healthy nutritional balance in the body. But the most important step to take, even before considering any medical course of action, is to try to give your wrist ample rest.

Cause of Wrist Arthritis

The lack of sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids in your body can be a cause of all types of arthritis. Omega 6, which has inflammatory properties and omega 3, which has anti-inflammatory properties, are required to be present in the body at a ratio of 4:1 for optimal functioning of the body. Some renowned medical institutions gravely point out that most people's reality is far from this ratio, with the average being 10 to 1 for omega 6 to omega 3. For the more extreme cases, the figure goes up to 20:1.

What Can You Do About Wrist Inflammation

Cold water oily fish are the best known source of omega 3 oils which most of us need more of, and in particular DHA. So it can certainly help fight inflammation by increasing the amount of fresh fish you eat, so long as you choose your types of fish carefully.

There is sadly a limit here however. Government advice is currently not to consume more than 2 portions of such fish per week. This is due to real concerns over contamination and toxins in our oceans - toxins which build up faster in the very types of fish we want to be eating more of.

Taking fish oil pills is therefore a strong alternative option to ensure a daily dose of omega 3. Mainly because good quality brands filter out the toxins. Just make sure you choose a brand that makes it very clear how they process the oils, and that they do properly filter out all toxic metals.

It is important to remember of course to consult a physician before making any changes to your diet, particularly for those taking blood-thinning medications.

Besides balancing the quantities of essential fatty acids in your body, you must also bring in the right amounts of fiber into a healthy diet. To do this, all you would need it to increase the intake of foods rich in fiber, such as brown bread, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and seeds.

A Quick Note About Arthritis Symptoms

If you are suffering from joint pain, swelling around the joint region, inability to fully move a joint, joint stiffness and either redness or extra warmth around the joint area - then you may well be suffering from arthritis.

After conducting a series of tests by a medical practitioner, you may find that fluid has accumulated around a joint or your joints have become "tender", it is usually a confirmation that you have one of the common types of arthritis. Always consider the different steps that you can take to ease these symptoms because any delay will only aggravate the condition and make it difficult to deal with later on.

Most people presume osteoarthritis is a condition that only affects the elderly, and to an extent they would be correct. If you are over 40, you are more likely to develop it than a young person in their teens. However, it's not just the elderly who are at risk. Those who are overweight, those who play professional sport or have had a joint injury that is taking a long time to heal, are all at risk of developing the condition as well.

There is no single test that can check for osteoarthritis but fortunately, once detected, there are plenty of osteoarthritis treatments available, and they range widely from complementary therapies to surgery, medicines to non-surgical treatments. When your doctor diagnoses you, he'll talk you through the options in detail and help you find the best treatment to suit your needs.

Non-surgical treatments such as creams and gel can help relieve the pain. Made with an extract of chili peppers, they work to numb the area around the knee, reducing the pain. Non-surgical osteoarthritis treatments are normally prescribed as additional treatments rather than stand alone solutions, to help combat osteoarthritis in hands or knees.

There is little evidence that complimentary therapies help relieve the actual issues of osteoarthritis. More often than not, the therapies simply relax you, and put you in a more positive frame of mind, which gives you the will power and ability to better manage your pain. The exception to this is acupuncture, for which there is evidence to suggest it is an effective osteoarthritis treatment.

Surgery isn't for everyone, but if you suffer from severer osteoarthritis, treatment by knife is sometimes the only way to treat the condition. The type of surgery performed varies according to which part of your body is affected. Hip or knee replacements are more common in the elderly, whilst professional sportsmen may have to have foot or wrist surgery to re-position and stiffen the bones. Both these measure have high rates of success in reducing pain and increasing mobility; so even though it's the most invasive, surgery is sometimes the best option.

Medicine can't cure osteoarthritis - it can't replace your hips or realign your bones - but it can reduce the symptoms. Painkillers, which can be bought over the counter, are a common medical osteoarthritis treatment; if the pain is severe, the doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are equally effective in relieving sufferers of symptoms, and are available through your doctor as cream, gels or pills.

Dogs who suffer from arthritis can turn to human glucosamine. The substance is one of the most effective ways to treat arthritis. Best of all, they are safe to use for older dogs who may have a more delicate health situation. The only real problem you'll face when administering this drug is the ingestion; dogs don't find it very appetizing. This is an easy problem to solve. You can also find glucosamine in different kinds of food. In fact, they are considered as vitamins.

Glucosamine for dogs are best for those who are older. The drug can cure uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis such as limping and stiffness. It works by supplying a fresh dose of the vitamin into the joints. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring vitamin found in cartilage. However, this can degrade. As a dog ages, it becomes a lot harder for him to produce normal amounts of glucosamine. To produce this vitamin, the body has to start with glucose and synthesize it into the vitamin. Since the dog's normal bodily functions are starting to weaken, it is no longer able to generate regular amounts. While the dog's body can't produce it anymore, you can still work to supply it so he can return to his normal routine.

Before trying this arthritis treatment for your dog, you should consult a veterinarian first. Glucosamine is very safe, but it is still best to ask your doctor if it is compatible with your dog. When starting any type of new treatment, it is a must to have a physical examination done first, so you know if your dog has any reactions.

Keep in mind that glucosamine is not a pain killer. Your dog won't be relieved of the pain arthritis causes. Instead, it will work by renewing the cartilage that has been damaged. By supplying a fresh amount of glucosamine, your dog will be able to rebuild the cartilage. According to studies, it does not usually have side effects. However, some groups suggest that they may be some harm done when the drug is used on dogs. It is said that glucosamine hydrochloride, a variant of the original, works better on dogs. You will find glucosamine in chitin, which is a derivative of glucose. There are many sources of this sugar, but it is most commonly found in shellfish. Most potent glucosamine mixes are usually derived from shellfish. Other components such as protein and calcium are extracted to get a purer mix of glucosamine. Then, another stabilizer is added.

Glucosamine for dogs might be the best ticket to comfort for your dog. Every pet needs a chance to live out their lives as comfortably as they can. Now, even with arthritis, it is possible. If your vet recommends or allows you to use this treatment, there is no reason why you shouldn't try it. For those who are considering this option, make sure that you do your research so you can make an informed decision.

Arthritis pain relief toady is sought through a number of treatments, where ten years ago these were simply unheard of, or were undergoing clinical trials and tests to ascertain their credibility and potential effectiveness for providing pain relief to aching joints and to relieve stiffness in the ligaments, cartilage and muscles.

The Causes & Treatments for Arthritis

1. Lack of understanding by doctors to diagnose the early signs:

Doctors worldwide who train for their profession surprisingly on average only spend a fortnight if that concentrating on rheumatology.

A simple fracture or inflammation which can cause damage to the soft tissue which surrounds the joint, may not be considered a short term risk, but these often overlooked or misdiagnosed mild injuries may well result in serious arthritic conditions in later life.

Treatment at an early age could most certainly decrease your chances of developing joint pain in the future.

2. The use of anti-inflammatory steroids:

When the potential of developing this disease is diagnosed early on, it is often treated with anti-inflammatory steroids or NSAID's.

These can suppress your immune system and while they may provide short-term relief, their long-term effects are becoming more apparent.

These common drugs are Indomethacin present in Indocin, Dicolfenac in Voltaren and ibuprofen in Motrin which is also found in many other prescription pain killers.

While results aren't conclusive there is persuasive evidence that the continued use of these ingredients can cause bleeding in the stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems and an irregular heartbeat.

The latter condition - an irregular heartbeat or arterial fibrillation - is the most worrying as this can often lead to heart attacks.

Acetaminophen used in Tylenol is also used to relieve mild pain, however it does so by stopping pain impulses reaching the brain as opposed to stopping the swelling so it doesn't actually target the root of the problem but rather bypasses it, plus regular use of Acetaminophen also comes with its risks and side effects which can best be explained on the actual packaging of this product.

People taking these kind of arthritis supplements often believe they are treating problem but they are not.

Such continued use therefore detracts the sufferer from addressing the real issue - to rebuild healthy joints.

If you are taking any of these supplements the general consensus is to use them for short-term pain relief and not for long-term joint treatment.

3. Diet:

Diet is central to the health of your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and just generally your overall health of body and mind.

Concerning the swelling in the joints, fish protein is by far the most beneficial food type, specifically the Omega 3 protein which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound.

This is well known now, but shouldn't be underestimated. Not only will it reduce the swelling but help add fluidity to the joint providing sustained and natural support, while reducing the pain.

Once your movement is becoming less arduous, a high protein fish diet will deliver enduring support.

4. Exercise:

Exercise is key, especially swimming, dancing and yoga when it comes to controlling arthritis.

Depending on how bad the pain has become a low impact sport like swimming will avoid any strenuous pressure on the joints while building up muscle strength, but if you're still in good supple shape then yoga and dancing are excellent at increasing and maintaining your bodies flexibility.

Always of course speak to your physician prior to embarking on your new exercise routine, but swimming is one of those few sports where you won't need a professional's approval, so the sooner you start the better.

5. All natural supplements:

As a result of years of intensive research, natural arthritis supplements are now the preferred treatment for relieving arthritis pain and the inflammation in the joints.

While prescription supplements should only be used for the short-term as they just target the pain, natural supplements can and should be used on a daily basis, to treat both the pain and the swelling around the joint for the long-term.

Overwhelming evidence supports the importance certain natural active compounds have on the fluid that surrounds the joints, which is where the disease arthritis takes shape.?

When this gooey bone lubricant begins to dry out there are certain newly developed organic ingredients including fish proteins as mentioned, which directly help restore this protective liquid and thus increase protection to the bones in the joint, relieving the brittle functionality, thus providing freer movement and less pain.

Vitamin B is not only essential if you suffer from arthritis, but it is also vital for general health. It is involved in hundreds of bodily functions. Amongst other benefits, it is involved in energy production, a healthy nervous system, good skin, hormone production and balance and prostaglandin production- a function that makes it key in controlling the inflammation in arthritis. Another key link is its involvement in keeping homocysteine levels under control. Homocysteine plays a vital role in your general health. Let us look at the different types of vitamin B and how it will benefit you if you suffer from arthritis:

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

For about 60 years now, it is known that a vitamin B5 deficiency in animals causes osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. When animals deficient in B5 received supplements, their arthritis improved and their inflammation levels (ESR levels) dropped. Since then, it has been confirmed that people with rheumatoid arthritis are nearly always lacking in B5. Studies show that when deficient patients receive B5 injections, their symptoms improve in about seven days. When the injections stop, their symptoms return. Also, when rheumatoid arthritis patients received 500mg of pantothenic acid four times a day, they experience a reduction in morning stiffness and pain after about two months.

So how does it work to improve your joint pain? There are a few theories as to how exactly it works, but the one that makes the most sense is that B5 is required for the body to make its own corticosteroids. That will explain why it improves rheumatoid arthritis. As for its benefits for osteoarthritis, it might improve the body's calcium balance. Calcium is essential for joint health. You could probably benefit by taking about 500-1000mg per day for a trial period of two months.

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or niacinamide, has been used to successfully treat arthritis for many years. Its beneficial effect for arthritis was discovered when niacin was used to treat schizophrenia and cholesterol. Patients receiving this treatment reported improvements in their arthritis. More recent studies conclusively show that B3 supplementation reduces inflammation and improved range of motion. Most patients supplementing with B3 are able to reduce their pain medication. Vit B3 is also very effective in controlling high cholesterol. Note that the niacin form of B3 causes a blushing and a feeling of pins and needles. This reaction is normal and actually shows the power of this nutrient. If the blushing reaction is too severe, you can opt for the niacinamide form, which doesn't cause blushing. Some companies also have a non-blushing form of niacin. Taking more than 2000mg of any B3 is pushing the limit. Take between 500mg-100mg vitamin B3 for arthritis and cholesterol.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 benefits arthritis patients by controlling pain and improving joint mobility. It works by shrinking the synovial membranes of weight bearing joints. It is also involved in the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Studies have found that when the body is an inflammatory state, as with rheumatoid arthritis, the body uses up more B6 and overall levels drop. This indicates that the body uses this nutrient to fight inflammation. B6 is also used very successfully to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, surgery is avoided after sustained B6 supplementation. 50mg can be taken to improve joint pain.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12

In a study of 26 people that suffered from osteoarthritis in their hands, most patients showed less pain in their hand joints after supplementing with a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12. The study reported that the patients experienced no side-effects like those associated with taking pain medication. You probable need about 200mcg of folic acid and 10mcg of B12 to benefit the most.

Arthritis is an affliction that makes many people face terrible situations. A proper and early diagnosis can cure arthritis. Disabilities and joint deformation can be prevented if you detect it at an early stage. Problems related to arthritis like inflammation of joints and muscles will limit your daily activities like cooking, cleaning and washing. Even detecting the type of this disease is complicated, as there are more than hundred symptoms that confirm arthritis. Few things can help you fight issues related to the disease and even avoid it completely.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy life style will definitely make an impact. Smokers should give up smoking, shunning stress is also very important. You should also consult rheumatologist or an orthopedic, if you detect any arthritis symptoms. There are common myths and misconceptions related to arthritis, try refraining from these misconceptions. Some people believe that it is caused due to old age, inadequate diet and climatic conditions and stay away from cure. There are easy steps to ensure proper cure and evading the disease. Saunas work very well in reliving the stress on joints. The second step is moderate exercising to give strength to the joints, but ensure that you do these exercises under the guidance of an expert. Water or aquatic exercises also help in reliving pain and strengthening muscles and joints, as water offers more resistance than air. The next step is to maintain a healthy diet by eating fresh and raw vegetables and whole grains. Coffee, sugar, tea and alcohol should be avoided and must be replaced by healthy drinks like juices or herbal tea.

Enhance the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids, whereas, 6 fatty acid consumption should be lowered. Consume 5 grams of fish oil daily, and stay away from red meat. Eating fresh sea food can assist considerably in skirting the disease. The fourth important aspect is to take correct medication. Ask your doctor to prescribe the best one which fits in your case, as it is very important to stay away from unnecessary drugs and medicines. Avoid food that triggers arthritis like eggs, milk and excess sugar. Resisting temptations and eating food which helps in recovering the situation will definitely show positive results. Resorting to natural and herbal medication will be a sensible decision. These cures are not only effective, but are also devoid of side effects.

The most important thing that you should understand is that arthritis is a common disease and there is no need to panic. Stressing and putting yourself in a miserable situation will only trigger this disease and will cause complications. Enjoy exercising and concentrate more on cure, rather than inviting trouble by thinking about the disease. Any temporary solution to arthritis should be avoided as it hampers the process of gradual cure. Pain killers will only give you temporary relief and will cause complications further. Doing a good research on arthritis will make you aware of different types of arthritis. Once you know the type of arthritis you have, it will benefit you to take steps related to cure and will avoid confusion to a great extent.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

As most people get older they start to feel pain and stiffness in their fingers, hands, knees or shoulders over time. These pain sufferers may have arthritis, which doctors believe may be caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints. Cold weather tends to aggravate this condition especially if you are among the 45 million or so Americans who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cold weather may have more effect on arthritis sufferers that first thought according to a French study of diagnosed arthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis that demonstrates in the winter or early spring may actually be more severe than arthritis that emerges in the warmer months of summer and early fall. Viruses, such as common cold and flu viruses, which are more prevalent in colder weather may play a part in the increased severity of winter-onset arthritis.

Do not let winter's cold winds keep you hiding indoors until the thaw. Keeping all your joints moving will help you keep the pain, stiffness and discomfort at a minimum. Bundle up appropriately and get out for a brisk walk every day rain and snow permitting. Consistent exercise will also help you keep your weight under control. Not only will you burn more calories than your couch-potato self, but the simple act of getting up and getting out when you don't always feel like it will keep you motivated and positive.

Do stay warm and dry however. The old saying about cold and dampness aggravating joint pain is almost certainly true. Dress warmly in layered clothing. New fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin are ideal. Keep your feet dry. There are many brands of waterproof shoes and boots available. If your feet do get wet that is probably a good enough reason to return to home base and get your feet dry and comfortable before venturing out again.

Take a warm to hot shower if you feel like you may have overdone it. Do some gentle stretching in the shower to keep the blood moving through your muscles.

With electricity rates and heating oil costs on a constant rise some people will choose to keep their thermostats a little lower than they would like. Dress warmly in the house too if that is the case. A warm blanket draped over your legs will work wonders. For small rooms where people tend to gather to watch TV a portable gas heater can quickly bring the temperature up to toasty.

It's believed that approximately one percent of the world's population is affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Basically, rheumatoid is an inflammation of the synovium, or lining, of one or more joints in the body, and it's considered a chronic condition. The immune system attacks the normal tissue of joints, believing them to be invading pathogens. This means that rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease. Most people recognize that rheumatoid arthritis inflames and attacks the joint linings, but what's not so well known is that it can also cause inflammation of the membrane linings of blood vessels, lungs and the heart.

The most common joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the hands and feet, but it's possible for any membrane-lined joint to be affected. The inflammation is controlled using medication. This is essential, because otherwise the inflammation can cause deformity of the joints. This may result in long-term joint damage, chronic pain, a reduction in function and even disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in three main stages. Firstly, the synovial lining swells, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and some swelling around the affected joints. In the second stage, the synovium starts to thicken, which is caused by the rapid growth and division of cells, or pannus. Once the third stage is reached, enzymes are released by the inflamed cells. These can be absorbed by bone and cartilage in the joints, leading to more pain, loss of movement and deformity.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can often cycle from minor right through to severe. The most recognizable symptoms include:

- Swelling of the small joints in the hands and feet

- Tenderness, stiffness and pain in the joints, particularly in the morning

- Hardened lumps within the joints

- Destruction of cartilage and bone

The earlier you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the better your chances of controlling it. By starting the correct treatment straight away you have a reasonable chance of avoiding deformity and disability. The effects of rheumatoid arthritis can be serious, and impact on all aspects of a person's life and healthy.

If you believe you are developing rheumatoid arthritis, consult your medical professional immediately for a correct diagnosis. Your medical professional will then be able to formulate a plan for you to follow, including the right medication. With careful management, the pain and swelling can be reduced, joint damage may be slowed or even halted, and you will feel better and be more active.

Researchers are still trying to discover what exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis, and although there are several theories, none have been proven conclusively to be the cause. In the meantime, despite the fact that there's no cure, it's possible to control the disease with new drugs, joint protection techniques and exercise. If managed, you can still lead a healthy, happy and fulfilling life, despite having rheumatoid arthritis.

People throughout history have found that there are various remedies that one may create in the comfort of the home in order to effectively treat certain medical diseases and conditions. There are millions of people that have arthritis around the world. Many people with arthritis do not have medical insurance, or the financial means to acquire medical help to assist them in living life easily with their condition. For these individuals, there are many effective home remedies. Here, you will find many of the effective home remedies for arthritis that have proven successful to many people for numerous years.

An effective and common home remedy for arthritis is consuming garlic. Garlic has been known to alleviate the symptoms of swelling and inflammation for hundreds of years. There are many ways that you can consume garlic. You may purchase garlic pills at your local health food store, or you may choose to cook with garlic. Many people simply sprinkle garlic over their food once it is prepared. However you choose to ingest garlic, it is an important factor is reducing the pain that is associated with swelling in arthritis.

An effective home remedy for arthritis is potato juice. You simply make a juice from potatoes and then consume the juice. Many older arthritis patients bring this home remedy for arthritis to us from many generations of effective use. It is believed that potatoes play an effective role in eliminating the pain that is associated with arthritis. You may also choose to implement more potatoes into your daily diet to reduce the symptoms that are associated with arthritis.

An effective home remedy for arthritis includes creating a rice bag to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain that is a result of inflammation. This is a basic bag of rice that you can create using a strong material. Many people simply take an old sock, pour in a large amount of rice, and tie the sock into a tight knot. The bag can then be placed in a microwave for about a minute. Once the bag is done in the microwave, you can apply it to swollen and/or sore joints. The heat is the same as a heating bag, only inexpensive. This is a great method for alleviating pain with arthritis.

The next effective home remedy for arthritis is quite simple and can be done by anyone. This is simply to soak in a hot bath. The heat that the water contains will help to effectively soothe the symptoms of arthritis by soothing inflammation and providing more freedom in joint movement. Many people may even place a small amount of vinegar in the water to help sooth the pain of arthritis. If you are comforted by cool water, you may choose to sit in a tub of cool water rather than warm water.

There are many effective home remedies for arthritis. You can choose one, or all. The most important aspect of the home remedy is that it provides relief to you.

Find easy to understand information about arthritis in fingers here in order to manage the problem effectively. Arthritis is a painful condition when the cartilages between joints in our body become worn out. The cartilage serves as a lubricant and cushion for the joints. Without the cushioning effect, the joints will rub against each other and cause inflammation and joint pain. Various forms of arthritis will develop in different way which will disable us to perform simple action such as gripping, grasping things and even the strength to move the hands.

A few common forms of arthritis in fingers are psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is related to the skin condition psoriasis which causes pain in the distal joints near the fingernails. Osteoarthritis is the infamous type of arthritis as a result of having worn out cartilage between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is cause by deficiency in the bones. The patients will feel stiffness in fingers particularly in the morning. It may lead to more deformities of the hands such as the fingers may gradually shift away from the thumb.

The symptoms of the abovementioned arthritis in fingers are listed below.

The patients with arthritis in fingers may escape surgery if early treatment is effective in managing the symptoms. Change of diet is necessary to avoid food which can cause inflammation. Intake of joint supplement with chondroitin and glucosamine may be helpful to slowdown wearing out of cartilage between the joints. Heat and ice treatment, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections are ways to reduce stiffness and pain to facilitate movement of the hand. Seek consultation and treatment from a doctor in order to receive the appropriate treatment. The doctor may work with a physical therapist to assist you to find a splint to help to support and control movement of the hand with arthritis.

Exercises intended to build strength helps to keep the hands healthy. Regular simple exercises like shoulder shrugs, stretching and shaking of fingers, wrist and arms also improve blood flows and reduce your risk of getting arthritis. Although the pain and stiffness may discourage you to carry out physically demanding activities, it is important to keep your body and hands active. Swimming, tai chi and other low impact exercises are highly recommended for patients to manage the symptoms of arthritis in fingers.

In a lot of magazines written especially for elderly people you can find articles about spinal arthritis that, more often then not, seem to be related to age. Are those articles just made to sell products or is there some truth in that assumption? Well in fact there are a couple of different kind of spinal arthritis types and they have all different names for example osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and arthritis of the facet joints. And the magazines do have a point when they say that spinal arthritis is caused by age.

Spinal arthritis is no life threatening disease but it can be very painful, debilitating and cut into the mobility of many people. And lets be honest, mostly elderly people are struck with the symptoms of these types of arthritis. There are some exceptions because there are younger people who suffer from spinal arthritis although most develop just a mild form. With younger people, spinal arthritis usually begin very mildly and have a tendency to escalate in pain intensity after many years.

What are the symptoms of spinal arthritis?

Almost all kind of arthritis cause symptoms like: - pain

- swelling

- stiffness of the joints

- morning stiffness

- the spinal area can feel numb

- spinal deformity

- feeling of bone on bone rubbing

- reduced mobility

- reduced agility

Causes Of Spinal Arthritis

The most common cause of most types of spinal arthritis are the succumbing of the cartilages of the spine through wear and tear, normal aging an injuries to the bones.

If in the spine the cartilages wear down, this results in friction of the cartilages, pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of motion in that area. Most of the time when the symptoms are focused mainly in the neck and lower back the spinal arthritis is caused by osteoporosis an this kind of arthritis almost always develops when we age. What starts as a mild spinal pain, neck or lower back pain will increase if the fraction between the cartilages also increases this happens because of degeneration of the cartilages. The pain is almost always more severe in the morning and the evening.

A poor diet in combination with spinal arthritis symptoms can make this age related condition worse. Most people are more focused om the health of internal organs but overlook the effects of diet and their general cartilage and bone health. It is a well known fact that an increase of calcium by drinking low fat or skimmed milk or calcium supplements can reduce some symptoms of spinal arthritis.

So watching your diet is a thing we should do when we experience the first symptoms of spinal arthritis It probably will not stop the disease from developing and evolving but it can slow it down.

There also are some amazing arthritis medicine or alternative arthritis pain relief products about which we have published on our website My Rigid Body.

Just remember that all though spinal arthritis is a disease that is related to age it does not mean that you can not suffer from it when your young.

Psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, stiffness and swelling in people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which causes the skin to be covered in patches of thick red inflamed silvery scales. It affects both sexes equally and most sufferers develop psoriatic arthritis followed by the arthritis symptoms.

The nature of symptoms for psoriatic arthritis depends on the type, but they are more or less similar to each other. Generally, patients will suffer pain, stiffness and tenderness at their joint areas in more than one place. Their range of motion is also significantly decreased and the pain amplifies when there are attempt to move the joints. The pain is significantly higher in the morning but subsides throughout the day.

There are 5 different types of psoriatic arthritis with each having their own unique symptoms:

Distal Interphalangeal Predominant

Patients will tend to feel tenderness and pain only in the last joints of their fingers and toes as only the distal interphalangeal joints are affected.

Asymmetrical Arthritis

Only 2 or 3 joints are affected and they are individual and not in pairs. Any joints in the body can feel pain and are often red and warm to touch.

Symmetrical Polyarthritis

Joint swelling in pairs is observed on both sides of the body, such as both elbows for example.

Spondylitis, or Psoriatic Spondyloarthritis

Joints in the spine will be inflamed and is a serious condition that will cause deformity and changes in the posture as well. Inflammation, tenderness and stiffness of the joints in both the back and neck will occur and the ligaments might be affected.

Arthritis Mutilans

The bones and cartilage in the joints will be destroyed and deformed and flares in the skin will be observed. It will affect the small joints in the fingers and toes nearest to the nail and lower back and neck pain can be observed.

The symptoms vary according but the common signs and symptoms are:

Uncomfortableness, inflexibility, tenderness and swelling in one or more joints.

Range of motions in joints are greatly reduced.Re

Stiffness in the morning.

Lower back experiencing stiffness and inflammation.

Swelling in the smaller joints of the toes and fingers that are closest to the nail.

Pitting of nails.

Fingernails or toenails are detaching.

Tenderness, pain, or swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone

Eye inflammation

Do not hesitate to seek for medical support if you believe you have contracted psoriatic arthritis. It is advisable to seek for professional treatment if the pain in your joints is giving you symptoms that can be interpreted into serious health issues.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Large breed dogs like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and Great Danes are predisposed to certain bone and joint problems such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and cruciate ligament rupture which could progress to osteoarthritis. These conditions will be discussed in brief below followed by recommendations for treatment.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can occur at any stage in a dog's life. The earliest symptoms of hip dysplasia, often characterized by instability and awkwardness in movement can be seen even in puppies. This early onset of hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs has been traced to inheritance of any of the parents' characteristics which usually involve an abnormality in the hip joint. Abnormalities with the hip joint (a ball and socket joint) may vary. Hip dysplasia could stem from a misfit in the ball and socket joint (either the socket is too shallow or the ball is misshapen or too small).

Causes of hip dysplasia can differ and could involve a sudden growth spurt, over exhaustion, and obesity,

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis mostly affects 4-8 months old dogs. Although it could be an inherited disease, osteochondrosis is more often linked with underdeveloped cartilage typically in the elbow and shoulders. Problems in the normal development of cartilage in these joints lead to unevenness in the joint surfaces which can cause misalignment and other problems with joint structuring. Like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis can occur due to a growth spurt and over nutrition.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Pain, swelling, instability in the knee joint, and lameness are just some symptoms of cruciate ligament rupture. This disease which leads inevitably to chronic arthritis of the knee involves a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament in the knees. Traumatic injuries involving the degeneration (in mild cases) and a sudden tear (in severe cases) in the ligament are cited as the primary causes of such condition in large breed dogs.

Osteoarthritis

Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis gradually progresses as the cartilage in the joint erodes. Extreme pain could signal the growth of bone spurs or osteophytes, calcium deposits in tensed and stressed areas in the joints. Wear and tear with frequent activity is more often associated with osteoarthritis.

Treatment for osteoarthritis

With mild cases of osteoarthritis, treatment often involves prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroids but since we are talking of large-breed dogs here, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly referred to as NSAIDs are more effective. However, NSAIDs do not really provide an effective treatment to arthritis as they only provide temporary pain relief but do nothing to assist in the repair of the damaged joint. In developed or severe cases of osteoarthritis especially stemming from pre-arthritis conditions such as cruciate ligament rupture and hip dysplasia, surgery may be required to stabilize the joints.

Recent USA laboratory studies in 2006 as reported by "The New England Journal of Medicine", showed that glucosamine chondroitin in combination, reduced arthritis pain in those suffering moderate to severe joint pain more effectively than NSAIDS. These same results are shown to be as effective in pets. Synflex Liquid Glucosamine is a leading brand when it comes to dietary glucosamine / chondroitin supplements for dogs. The once a day dosing of Synflex Liquid Glucosamine depends on the size and weight of your dog and the severity of his/her arthritis condition. The liquid form is superior in its ability to be absorbed by the body almost completely.

Another plus is the liquid form is much easier to give to your pet than pills. You can be certain with Syn-flex for Pets, your German Shepherd will be in top shape in no time. Please read more on Synflex and the types of joint diseases your pet may encounter at syn-flex-usa.com.

Depending of what type of arthritis your dog is affected with, the pain that comes with it can be severe that it can cripple your dog's activities. The earlier you detect the symptoms the better your pet's chances are in preventing the disease to progress. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford surgery and regular MRI scans. Personally, I think surgery should be the last option though. Before you even think about that, make sure you have done every available arthritis treatment for dogs.

To avoid harmful side effects, go natural. There are plenty of natural anti-inflammatories to choose from like Glucosamine, MSM, Cetyl-M and Omega 3 fatty acids. All have been proven to be effective arthritis treatment for dogs.

Alfalfa is also known to be effective in soothing the joints when they are swelling. Make a tea out of alfalfa herbs and the dosage that you would give to your pet will depend on his size and weight. Make the tea as a part of your dog's daily meals to see the results.

Another surprisingly effective arthritis treatment for dogs is mussels. You can just use the shellfish extracts as an alternative to the fresh ones. You can get a number of such products in your local pet store. Studies confirm that seafood can help in restoring and repairing damaged connective tissues.

Massage your dog at least twice a day and apply some medicated herbal oil to help soothe aching joints and muscles. Another way on how you can help relieve the pain is by using heat treatment. When arthritis is present, it gets more painful during the cold winter months so it's mandatory to keep your dog warm all the time.

Give your dog enough time to recover. A natural treatment is highly recommended if you are in a tight budget and you don't want to worry about adverse side effects.

The most debilitating form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unlike other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It attacks joints and internal organs, causing severe inflammations and pain.

The most important thing in all rheumatoid arthritis treatments is detecting this disease as soon as possible. Unlike other forms of arthritis, RA does most of the damage during first twenty-four months. As there is no cure to this disease, the best thing we can hope for is to stop its progress as soon as possible or at least alleviate the pain and minimize the secondary damage.

There are several drugs that can be used to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. First, there are NSAID - Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. Most of them are available over the counter, but in more severe cases you may want to ask your doctor for stronger NSAID that are prescription-only. Other means of reducing the symptoms of RA is increasing the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids by taking Omega Daily food supplement or simply by eating more fish oil. These nutrients are known to decrease periods of morning stiffness as well as for reducing inflammations.

Another category of anti-RA drugs are BRM (biologic response modifiers). They are extremely effective and try to alleviate the symptoms of the RA by affecting its source - the organism's response. The only problem is that in many cases they are far too expensive - to the point where most health insurance policies do not cover such treatments.

There is also a cheaper alternative to BRM, commonly used to combat rheumatoid arthritis: Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (example: Methotrexate). Their main goal is to reduce the damage done to joints by the disease. Needless to say, they are prescription-only drugs.

Besides medications, there is also a few other things you may want to do in order to make your life with rheumatoid arthritis easier. First, you need to accept that RA won't go, so you can't simply "wait until it is gone." While some activities are beyond of your reach, it does not mean that you can only sit down and watch TV. Another important thing is that you need to do some sport. While you may feel it is safer to put no stress at all to your joints, this will only speed up the disease progress. Strong muscles reduce the impact of RA and increase the flexibility of your joints. However, you'd better choose such exercises that do not harm your joints - usually swimming is the best idea.

Remember, rheumatoid arthritis is too common disease to ignore it. It affects about 1% of the population and can't be cured. If you feel some pain in the joints and you feel stiff in the morning, contact your doctor immediately - there is a good chance that you've got rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the numerous different types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is affecting patients who also suffer from psoriasis a certain form of skin inflammation. Some symptoms are chronic and marked by joint inflammation, as well as scaly and inflamed spots in the skin. These type of arthritis symptoms occur at any age particularly prevalent at ages between 30 and 50 years old. It affects both men and women equally and usually develops after long-term psoriasis. This disease usually appears after a decade from the onset of psoriasis.

The Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms You Need to Monitor

The joints often attacked by arthritis include the knees, ankles, and toes. It should be noted however that the inflammation is not widespread. Only a few number of joints are affected at the same time. The affected joints become inflamed and are painful to move. Inflamed digits at the hands and feet have a sausage-like appearance.

Inflammation of the skin is commonly seen in the navel area, scalp, knees, and elbows. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms may also spread to other areas beyond the skin. It can cause inflammation of the muscles in the heart, lungs and kidneys. Pitted nails in the fingers and toes are quite typical in patients experiencing these arthritis symptoms. The nails might display marked deformities, ridges and changes in color.

Acne is likewise a regular issue for a lot of patients with symptoms of this disease. Joint stiffness can also be present with this infliction. This is usually very intense upon waking up. Psoriatic arthritis patients generally realize that their joints are extremely stiff and difficult to move upon waking up early in the morning.

Less common symptoms of the disease include inflammation in many joints like that of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the spine with associated pain and inflammation of the rib cage with intense chest pain. This disease can also produce tendonitis or tendons inflammation.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms - The Natural Solution

A team of rheumatologists from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands demonstrated clear improvement of inflammation at a cellular level by elevating glutathione levels within the affected area. One of the results of Glutathione ( also called GSH) is regulating the immune system.

Since arthritis is due to chronic inflammation, scientist have proven that when one regulates the immune system through glutathione supplement, the inflammation and other related symptoms could be prevented.

Called the master antioxidant, some of the benefits of glutathione not only alleviates symptoms by improving the immune system which in turn reduces inflammation, but also provides other benefits like lowering blood cholesterol and a number of other life-threatening illnesses.

Antioxidants like vitamins and glutathione may also aid the body in healing and recovery. Glutathione has an anti-inflammatory effect which is helpful in easing joint inflammation that's caused in psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Gout is one of the over one hundred forms of arthritis, and is triggered by excessive blood levels of uric acid.

Gout, otherwise known as gouty arthritis, is commonly accompanied by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation. Post-menopausal women may experience an elevated risk of developing this form of the rheumatoid disease. Middle-aged men, between the ages of forty and fifty feature the usual face of a gout sufferer. Nine out of ten gout patients are men over the age of forty.

The Four Stages of Gout

Gouty arthritis is marked by four stages. The four stages of gout are asymptomatic, acute, intercritical, and chronic.

The first stage of gout is the acute stage. Generally accompanied by no symptoms, this stage of gout marks the onset of the excess uric acid crystals, which is responsible for the irritation and inflammation associated with the advanced stages of the condition.

The first attack of gout occurs in the acute stage of the disorder. This second stage of gout sports both mild and severe bouts with gout. Gout attacks can last as long as one or two weeks.

The first gout attack is followed by a period of several months, or possibly years, without a single symptom of gout. This is known as the intercritical stage of gout. The majority of gout sufferers experience their second attack within two years of the first episode.

The final stage of gouty arthritis is the chronic stage. Episodes of gout attacks become more frequent during the chronic phase of the condition. Chronic gout can cause damage to other areas of the body; damage to the kidneys and the development of high blood pressure are signature features of gout's chronic stage.

Gout is a highly treatable form of arthritis. There are a number of home remedies for gout and it's natural treatment.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is one of the holistic home remedies for gout treatment. The pantry may be the optimum spot for snagging some of the staples of home remedies for gout. Cherries, juniper berry, bilberry, nettle root, and celery.

Nutritional Therapy: Nutritional therapy is one of the home remedies for gout. Vitamin B12, vitamin E, folate, and the B family of vitamins are a part of nutritional home remedies for gout treatment. Implementing nutritional improvements is one of the home remedies for gout used to reduce the occurrence of metabolic arthritis flare-ups. Many of the vitamins included in the therapy have been proven beneficial in preventing gout.

Regular Exercise: A buildup of uric acid plays a pivotal role in the development of gouty arthritis. Regular exercise is one of the home remedies for gout episodes that has been documented as useful in both treatment and prevention. Exercise routines that improve circulation include stretching, dancing, yoga, Tai Chai, and aerobic.

Metabolic arthritis, or gout, is one of the one hundred forms of arthritis that characteristically features severe and sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth afflicting the joints.

Gouty arthritis is a treatable condition that most commonly affects the joint of the big toe, but may also occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists. The first onset of gout generally occurs at night and continues on for a week or two before the symptoms subside. Seventy-percent of first gout attacks occur in this part of the body.

Gout is one form of arthritis that made it's debut as early as the eighteenth century. Gout was historically linked to overweight, lazy, middle to upper class, middle-aged men. This perception of gouty arthritis sufferers was born from the fact that many of the foods the influence the onset of gout were routinely reserved for the rich-earning the rheumatoid condition the nickname of "The Disease of Kings." Queen Anne, John Hancock, and American founding father, George Mason are some of history's most noted gout sufferers.

Gout occurs as a result of the body hosting uric acid in elevated levels. Only designed to carry trace amounts of uric acid, the human bloodstream turns excess uric acid into crystal deposits that lodge themselves into the joints of the body, sporting a chalky white-colored material. Uric acid buildup occurs during the body's breakdown the waste product called purines. Purines is commonly found in foods like liver, brains, and kidneys, as well as sweetbreads, mushrooms, and asparagus.

Natural Cures for Gout

Since highly treatable, implementing a number of lifestyle changes can serve as one of the effective natural cures for gout. Adopting a low purine diet is one of the natural cures for gout suggested by some medical professionals. Cherries, strawberries, and blueberries have been identified as some of the staples of a diet low in uric acid. Limiting consumption of fish, poultry, and tofu is also a part of a low purine diet. Other foods to avoid to discourage a gout flare-up include:

Sardines

Sweetbread

Scallops

Alcohol Beverages

Diet Soda

Who's At Risk For Developing Gout?

The condition is most common among middle-aged men between forty and sixty years old. Women are at an increased rate for developing gout following menopause. African-American men are twice as likely as White men to suffer the onset of gout.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Do you have difficulty in bending your arms and knees? How about in moving your shoulders and legs? If so, then you may be suffering from arthritis. It is a condition wherein moving the joints creates severe pain.

There are many different types of arthritis. The most popular of them all is rheumatoid arthritis. This type affects most of your joints in the body. It makes it difficult to move because of stiffness. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, usually results to swelling of the joints especially those in the hip, knee and finger area.

Although arthritis can happen to almost anyone in this world, it can be prevented. If you know how to do this, you will not have to suffer from this painful condition. Some ways to prevent it is through protecting your joints from any type of physical injury. You should also keep your body as fit as possible in order to make your joints and muscles stronger. Controlling your weight is also essential to avoid putting too much pressure on the joints.

If you are already putting up with arthritis, here are the things you can to relive the pain.

Get rest. There is no better way to alleviate the pain than to rest. Resting allows your joints and the muscles around it to relax. It also allows the body to repair any damages. You can do this by not overworking too much on the physical and by getting a good number of sleep hours per night.

Become flexible. When you were younger, you were still very flexible because the joints and cartilages had not hardened totally yet. However, as a person ages, flexibility also decreases. This is why it is very important to stay flexible for as long as you can. You can increase your flexibility by joining activities such as yoga or stretching.

Become physically active. Exercise is as important as the abovementioned methods of relieving arthritis pain. Walking for at least 20 minutes to 1 hour a day is important to make the joints and muscles stronger. It will also be advisable to do exercises involving water such as swimming. This is because swimming is not too vigorous for the joints.

Apply compress. This can either be hot or cold compress. Use heat applicators three times a day while massaging the area experiencing pain. The heat will make the muscles loose and it can relieve the stiffness in the area. On the other hand, you can use cold compress for about 20 minutes only when the joints are painful. This will numb the area so you will not feel so much pain.

Avoid staying in one position. If you have joint pain, be sure to move your body once in a while. Staying in only one position for a long time can increase the pressure on the joints. This can also cause stiffness for that area. You need to stretch and relax your muscles every now and then. Be sure to move around to exercise your joints. This way, they will not feel pain that often.

Elderly cats are commonly known to catch arthritis, which is the wear and tear of joints in parts of the body. Its main causes include high age, due to which a time comes when unfit bodies exhibit joint degeneration and high pain due to tendon tissue damage. Arthritis is just as common in cats as it is in people and identical to their reasons in humans, they are caused due to high age, obesity, weak bones, genetic issues, Lyme disease, high level of activity and the stress factor. The chief cause of cat arthritis is high age, yet younger cats can also catch arthritis due to genetic and other stress problems.

Most of the cat owners find it difficult to spot any pain caused by arthritis due to the fact that they are already slow on account of their old age. But they might not be that lively and energetic due to arthritis. Cats cannot share their pain with their owners and for that reason they often hide or deal with the pain caused, which is why arthritis is pretty difficult to be spotted in them and the pain, equaled with the stress, results in early feline death in many cases.

However due to the innovation in technology, other symptoms in cat arthritis are described as follows. Cats often show signs of stress and depression, unwilling to play or jump, maintain a low level of activity, sleep more frequently, may appear bony than usual due to the excessive muscle waste and may signal pain and stiffness when standing or walking. Changes in mental attitude are also common which will result in changes in behavior such as less interaction and increased anger.

The diagnostic procedure of probable cat arthritis would include a detailed analysis of your cat's physical strength and a history of the disease would be taken. In addition to those, blood tests, X-rays and ultrasound etc of the aching joints could also be performed to get a clear diagnosis. Feline arthritis mostly includes Osteoarthritis and Traumatic arthritis where there is damage to the joints in both cases but Osteoarthritis can become serious in some cases depending on the nature of the cause, the damage done and the physical status of the cat; the condition may become untreatable a few times, but you can at least try to present comfort to the cat in the small life it has left.

Treatment to cat arthritis can be done through various ways. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are one of the most common cures adopted mostly by vets. Glucosamine is a significant element of the cartilage and joint fluid and Chondroitin improves the arrangement of the ligaments and restrains the joint-breaking enzymes inside. Regular and long-term vet-prescribed dosage can make a big difference to your cat suffering from arthritis and may enable her to recover in a month.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-relievers such as Tramadol and Vitamin C and Corticosteroids such as Prednisone can alleviate any immediate pain but their consumption is lessened nowadays due to their high side effects. Alongside physical exercise and weight control are not only natural remedies to the current arthritis level, but they also keep the feline body fit, energetic and should prevent a large number of diseases in the future too, allowing your cat to spend a long and happy life.

Could a glass of wine at dinner time be the next major arthritis breakthrough?

Possibly... according to a recent Swedish study. A diet of 10% ethanol had a protective effect on mice that would otherwise have developed collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), Swedish researchers report in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. CIA is often used as an animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA.)

Andrej Tarkowski, MD, the senior author and a faculty member in the department of rheumatology and inflammation research, Goteborg University, in Sweden, stated that the primary finding was that, in male mice, long term consumption of 10% ethanol delayed the onset and progression of CIA.

The underlying mechanism appears to be a reduction in inflammation due to decreased NF-kB activation (a primary inflammatory pathway) caused by upregulation- or increased production -of testosterone secretion.

The research team fused a CIA model in mice by immunizing male DBA/1 mice with collagen type II (CII). To determine whether drinking ethanol has any impact on the development of CIA, the mice were provided with either 10% ethanol or water alone to drink. Mice were sacrificed after 5 to 6 weeks. All four paws from DBA/1 mice were sectioned, stained, and examined for inflammation of the joint including damage to the joint lining and erosion of bone and cartilage.

The investigators report that development of arthritis due to inflammation was markedly reduced in the ethanol-drinking mice. Ethanol had no such effect on mice with arthritis induced by injection with a mixture of four monoclonal anti-CII antibodies. "These data suggest that ethanol affects the start or initiation rather than the perpetuation of immune responsiveness during CIA," mentioned the researchers.

Joints from the water-drinking mice developed frequent bone and cartilage erosions. Those from the ethanol-drinking mice were "histologically ...intact," meaning no significant damage occurred. In addition, ethanol prevented the arthritis-induced loss of bone mineral density associated with CIA. "The major surprise in this study was the outstanding effect of ethanol on saving cartilage and bone, suggesting that apart from regulation of inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases (i.e., tissue destroying enzymes) might be a direct target for ethanol," commented Dr. Tarkowski.

Dr. Tarkowski cautions, "This dose of ethanol was chosen for mice with an exact knowledge regarding the toxicity. This was further confirmed by intact liver function at the end of experiments. In contrast, exchanging water for 10% ethanol in humans eventually will lead to liver disease (cirrhosis). Thus, the optimal dose of ethanol in the human setting to prevent/delay RA is presently unknown. For practical purposes, one could speculate on the use of doses of ethanol similar to those sometimes suggested for prevention of cardiovascular diseases--i.e., something in the range of 1 to 2 glasses of wine per day," he suggested.

"We are presently analyzing whether female mice with arthritis have the same effect from ethanol. The investigators also compared castrated to intact male mice and found that mice drinking 10% ethanol had significantly elevated levels of testosterone and decreased levels of IGF1 and cortisol. "These observations, considered together with the cellular anti-inflammatory properties of testosterone that lead to a decrease of NF-kB activation, point to testosterone as a potential link mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol."

So... what are the implications for patients with RA?

The first is that perhaps, a prescription of a glass or two of wine a day is not necessarily bad.

However, there are cautions. The first is that patients who are taking methotrexate need to absolutely limit their consumption of alcoholic beverages because of the danger of developing cirrhosis. Second, patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are at increased risk for developing stomach ulcers and alcohol increases that risk.

Management of rheumatoid arthritis may include dietary and lifestyle changes, prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications, alternative medicines and therapies or all of the above. Doctors look at a patient's symptoms and other factors when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Tests including X-rays and blood tests may be used when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test may reveal the presence of the rheumatoid factor antibody, but it is not present in all people who have the disease, and it may also be present in people who have different diseases.

Therefore, diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis requires doctors to look at other factors. Treatment plans for the management of rheumatoid arthritis may begin before all tests are finalized, particularly those treatments that address pain and inflammation.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves looking at a patient's symptoms. For instance, morning joint stiffness may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; X-rays may help doctors determine which form of arthritis is present.

Osteoarthritis is a wearing away of the protective cartilage and changes in the fluid between the joints. On an X-ray, it may look like the individual bones of the joints are touching or much closer than they normally would be.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the fluid that normally lubricates and protects the joints, so on an X-ray the individual bones of the joint may look farther apart than normal. Except for the inclusion of disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications, management of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is typically similar.

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, the progression of the disease must be taken into consideration. If the management of rheumatoid arthritis is not successful in the early stages, joint deformities can occur, leading to disabilities and sometimes requiring surgery.

In the early stages, the symptoms are similar to osteoarthritis, except that osteoarthritis sometimes affects only one joint or only the joints on one side of the body, while rheumatoid arthritis typically begins with inflammation in the small joints (hands and/or feet) on both sides of the body. It is this symmetry of pain and inflammation that is one determining factor when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Even after diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, doctors' opinions vary on how best to achieve management of rheumatoid arthritis, prevent the disease from progressing and put the disease into remission.

Some doctors recommend a strict diet that excludes grains, milk, nuts, beef and eggs. These foods are common allergens and food allergies have been reported to play a negative role in inflammatory diseases.

It is also believed that rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by a malfunction of the immune system and food allergies are believed to play a role in auto-immune diseases, as well. In several studies, patients who followed this diet reported an alleviation of symptoms for as long as five years. A diet like this may be an effective part of a treatment plan for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

While some doctors turn only to prescription medications after diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, some consider herbals, botanicals, vitamins and mineral supplements as a part of the long term management of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin and mineral supplements sometimes recommended for management of rheumatoid arthritis include zinc, copper, selenium, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies have shown that the last one, the mangosteen, harbors anti-inflammatory properties and the rind of the mangosteen fruit has been shown to contain Cox-2 inhibitors, which have powerful pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Many people in the Western world are now turning to substances like the mangosteen because they naturally contain Cox-2 inhibitors, and many people report experience pain alleviation.

Indeed, Dr. J Frederic Templeman, M.D. states: "In most types of arthritis the majority of mangosteen's benefits will come from its anti-inflammatory effects because it blocks the COX enzymes that are pro-inflammatory."

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, doctors now realize that anti-inflammatory medications can have harmful effects on the digestive systems and may recommend additional testing after treatment begins.

For example, Dr. Templeman briefly addresses this issue by pointing out "....mangosteen doesn't cause the dangerous gastrointestinal side effects of prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs."

The health supplements and botanicals like ginger root and mangosteen may actually protect the digestive tract from damage. Indeed, they are often recommended by herbalists and naturalists for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux.

Other recommendations for long term management of rheumatoid arthritis may include a regular exercise program, with regular rest periods. Exercising in water is particularly easy on and beneficial for the joints. Changes around the house, like replacing small drawer handles with larger ones, replacing round door knobs with the lever type and placing commonly used items on lower shelves may make life a little easier.

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, only your doctor and you can make decisions about what treatment plans to include in the management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture, bee therapy and many other non-conventional therapies do exist.

Investigate and explore the many options that are out there and after consulting with your doctor, you decide.

For me, the daily use of natural alternatives like mangosteen made more sense in improving my health, but other people may decide differently.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the leading debilitating diseases in the world caused by the inflammation of the joints in the specific parts of the body. The inflammation is caused by the body's auto immune system attacking the body itself.

The disease usually occurs earlier than that of osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease that is caused by the normal wear and tear of the body. It is a chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. The extremely painful condition is the leading cause of the substantial loss of mobility.

Certain treatments have developed to prevent the progression of the disease that could worsen the joints. Drug medication is a traditional rheumatoid arthritis relief as well as the replacement strategy of surgeries. However, as people are becoming more aware of the general side effects of drug medication and the financial consideration of expensive surgical operations, natural ways to help ease the pain and cure the disease are often sought.

A pain management plan is one of the many ways modern man has discovered as rheumatoid arthritis relief. There are physicians who have invested much time and effort are now beginning to say that there are ways to have a pain-free life. Natural pain relief treatments of rheumatoid arthritis include massage, acupuncture, food supplements, including fish oil in the diet, simple exercises and heat applications and certain relaxation techniques.

In other cases where the chronic pain has greatly affected the emotional health and psychological condition of the person that cognitive behavioral therapy is used.

Natural supplements that have chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate which are natural ingredients that help draw fluid to the cartilage that helps joints move are effective and safe ways as rheumatoid arthritis relief. These chemicals are effectively absorbed at high levels which allow the joints to get more of the necessary nutrients to repair the cartilage and maintain its health. As dietary supplements they do not have side effects that drugs such as analgesics and cortisone-type drugs have.

The best thing that a person could do to determine the rheumatoid arthritis relief that should better suit him or her is by learning about rheumatoid arthritis, its cause and symptoms as well as the best available treatments. Some techniques may be a combination of the different strategies to relieve pain such as diet, exercise, therapy and massage.

Vitamin c successfully forms a part of the supplementation plan for many people suffering from arthritis.

There is a lot of evidence from many sources proving that supplementing with vitamin c can benefit diseases involving inflammation. It is also known that vitamin c plays a role in collagen synthesis, the main protein that is found in the joints of the body. Collagen is the main component of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and many other structures of the body. Healthy collagen means healthy joints.

Vitamin c has been found to be low in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This is because vitamin c is an anti-oxidant which is used up to detoxify free radicals- something you find in abundance in inflammatory diseases.

A large study conducted between 1993 and 1997 involving 23000 men and women showed some benefit in taking higher amounts of vitamin c through your diet. During the study, which was actually meant to study cancer, the participants had to keep track of what they ate in a diary.

During this period, 73 of the participants developed symptoms that were related to rheumatoid arthritis. Compared to the other participants, the ones who developed rheumatoid arthritis, actually consumed less fruit and vegetables in their daily diets. Of course, fruit and vegetables contain a lot of vitamin c. The participants that ate the least amount of fruit and vegetables had about double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

How does it work? As we have noted, vitamin c is a major factor in the collagen synthesis, which is the main protein in joint tissue. Remember also, that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overreaction by the immune system. Some sources say that vitamin c has a calming effect on the immune system, acting on specific molecules (tenascin-C molecules) that causes and sustains inflammation in the joints.

But, vitamin c is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore has a role to play in treating cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, because these diseases are affected by free radicals and enzymes causing inflammation. Free radicals are found in the synovial fluids of inflamed joints, which suggest that free radicals are involved with the inflammation of the joint. Also, low levels of all the anti-oxidants are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Indirectly then, the suggestion is therefore that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from increased amounts of anti-oxidants like vitamin c in their diets.

How much do you need? If you suffer from an inflammatory disease, doses can be anything from 3-10g per day. That is a lot of vitamin c compared to typical recommended daily allowances.